God Can Use You!

This is my last post for Colossians. Any suggestions for the next book??

Read Colossians 4:7-18

What struck me the most was how fondly Paul spoke of his fellow brothers in Christ.

1)Tychicus is described as a dear brother, a faithful minister, a fellow servant in the Lord. He encourages hearts. Can anyone say that about you?

2)Onesimus is a faithful dear brother

3)Aristarchus, Mark and Justus are fellow workers for the kingdom of God and a comfort to Paul. Are you a worker for the kingdom of God and a comfort to others?

4)Epaphras is a servant of Christ Jesus and my personal favorite because Paul describes his as always wrestling in prayer for others. He prays they stand firm in all the will of God, mature and fully assured. I need to wrestle in prayer more for those I love more than I need to wrestle my tongue at them.

Verse 17 is a good way to wrap up Colossians. See to it that you complete the work you have received in the Lord. What category do you find yourself in?

1) I don’t know what work to do.

2)God would not use me.

3)I don’t know enough about the bible.

4)I’m scared someone will reject me or hurt my feelings.

5)I look for opportunities to do God’s work all the time.

6) I pray often for God to send me opportunities.

7)God can use the mess I have made to bless others.

Mark 19:26 With God all things are possible.

Luke 1:37 Nothing is impossible with God.

2 Timothy 1:7 God did not give us a spirit of timidity

This Is a Test. This Is Only a Test

Read Colossians 3:18-4:1 and Ephesians 5:21-6:9
Title in NIV: Follow guidelines for the Christian family.

I think we all know these verses: Wives submit to your husband. Husbands love your wives. Children obey your parents. Fathers don't embitter your children. Slaves obey your earthly masters. Masters provide for your slaves what is right.

There are several points not to be overlooked.
1. Verse 22 says to do these things not only when the master's eye is on you, but do it with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

Character is how you act when no one is looking. Character is what you say about someone when you have turned your back to walk away. Character is in the heart. You may be able to fake it on the outside, but God knows the heart and motives of a man.

2. Verse 22 says whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord...It is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving.

Since everyone is made in the image of God, and we are all his children, how we treat others is a glimpse into our heart about how we feel about God himself. We are practicing respect and submission and humbleness here on earth with our family, friends and even strangers. How we treat others reflects how we feel about submitting to God and how we feel about respecting God. If we do not respect his children and his creations, somewhere inside we do not respect God.

We have consequences with our actions. If we gossip, the consequence is: people will not confide in you. If you are deceptive, the consequence is: people will not trust you. If you nag your children or spouse, the consequence is: they will pull away emotionally and not want to be with you.

Here are some phrases from Ephesians:
1. Treat your husband as you would treat the Lord. (no matter how he treats you)
2. Husbands love your wife as Christ loved his church and gave himself up for her (read Hosea! now that is love)
3. Slaves obey master just as you would obey Christ. (we are all a slave to someone: a boss, a teacher etc.)
4. Be like slaves of Christ. Be a slave to righteousness.
5. Do all you do wholeheartedly as you would serve the Lord.
6. Every master on earth has a Master in heaven.

So, basically, this life is just a test. A test to see how you will treat those around you. Sometimes it is hard. God did not always have a positive word for his children, but He was always compassionate.
Are you passing your test?

Blessings to you for the week.

Don't Let Anyone Judge You. How?

Thanks to those who are waiting eagerly for this post (V). Thanks ML. I found the verse I was looking for with your help. It was Corinthians!

Read: Colossians 2:16-23

Title in NIV: Freedom from deceptive philosophies.

Don’t Let Anyone Judge You…How?

With the following verse in mind....enjoy my post today. Blessings!!

1 Cor 9:19-23 I am a slave to everyone. To the Jews, I became like the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law. To the weak, I became weak. I have become all things to all men…so I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel…

We always hear “Do not judge.” This week we deal with what responsibility I have to not allow someone to judge me.

I love the concept in the scripture today. However, it is the most difficult to understand and even more difficult to show because we are selfish in nature. Truthfully, I believe only about 20% of believers show this attitude toward others. I’ve prayed about writing this. I want my attitude to be that of love. I want readers to dive deep into the Word and see what God has to teach.

Verse 16 says, “do not let anyone judge you…” STOP there. Let’s discuss how to do that. People only judge differences in others. People don’t judge others who are doing the same thing as they are. Therefore, so you are not judged, be similar in action to someone who is apt to judge your actions. (I’m not speaking of indulging in drugs or stealing and such.) I’m speaking of those trite things that, even though they do not matter in eternity, may make someone stumble. (I thought about making a list, but…no.)

Here is a crazy example, but go with it just to grasp the point. What if you visited a church that only wore red shirts and you knew it. Would you wear a blue shirt just to assert your freedom in Christ that blue shirts are ok, too? People will judge you. They will think you are arrogant and haughty. You will insult the members. You will be seen as rude. The topic has been changed, of course, to protect the individual, however, I heard a lady say she would wear a blue shirt anyway because she knew it was ok with God and she did not care about the beliefs of the others. Hummm. There are many things that concern me with that attitude.

Selfishness says, “I don’t care about your feelings.” Selfishness says, “My way is right and you should learn from what I do.” 1 Corinthians 8:7 says people may not understand that they are free from the law. Some are interested only in following the rules…old rules…rules made by man. Because their conscience is weak, they think others who don’t follow their rules are in a wrong standing with God.  But what they do not understand is that the rule does not bring then closer to God.  We are no worse off if we wear blue and no better off if we follow the rule and wear red. (I know this example is silly, but I hope it makes the point the scripture is presenting.)

Colossians 2 and 1 Corinthians says the same thing: knowledge puffs up but love builds up.  So what if the person in the example said, “I know I am free to wear whatever, but I love the people of God and do not want to cause anyone to stumble or sin by judging me. So, I will wear red in their assembly.” That is sacrificing freedom for others to honor God... not for our own comfort.

Verse 20 says, “Why do you still belong to the basic principles of this world? Do not handle. Do not touch. Do not taste.” All these ‘do not’ statements are based on human traditions and rules and not on Jesus’ teachings.  Rules have the appearance of wisdom but they are self-imposed, show false humility and treat the body harshly. They lack value.

The bible says people of strong faith understand the previous concept, but it also causations ‘strong-in-faith’ people to be careful that exercising their freedom does not make a weak brother stumble (1 Cor 8). For is anyone with a weak conscience sees you he may be destroyed in his faith.  So, if what I eat or wear or if I clap in worship etc. causes my brother to judge me and fall into sin, I will not eat or wear or clap etc. because I love others who God created just as he created me.

Always, always think of others even if it means giving up something (for a time). Don’t trample on someone’s faith. Be patient.

Are you in the 20% or the 80%. Is your freedom strong enough to loose it for others? And I'm not talking about compromizing, I'm talking about loving others enough that you care about their conscience.

Further study: 1 Cor 10:23-33 I am not seeking my own good but the good of many that they may be saved.

1 Cor 8 and 9:12-15 We put up with anything rather than hinder the gospel of Christ.

1 Cor 9:19-23 I am a slave to everyone. To the Jews, I became like the Jews. To those under the law, I became like one under the law. To those not having the law, I became like one not having the law. To the weak, I became weak. I have become all things to all men…so I might save some.  I do all this for the sake of the gospel…

Love Letter From Paul

My computer is going to the "computer doctor" at 7:30am. This one will be short.

Read Colossians 2: 1-5
Title in NIV: Growth in the knowledge of Jesus Christ

How often do you write a letter of encouragement to someone that you see acting in love and unity toward someone else?Do you ever tell someone you delight in the attitude of their heart? We should do it more often.We should be the person who receives these letters, too.

We need to build someone up and tell them their good deeds. The Word says in 2 Tim 4:2 the word can be used for correcting, rebuking and encouragement.  If we love people and genuinely care about them. we need to tell them. When people know you want the best for them and that you will never turn away from them, they are stronger and more confident.

Send a love letter to someone today.

Do You Know the Mission and Goal of Your Life?

Read Colossians 1:24-29
Title in NIV: Paul’s ministry to the Gentiles

In this section of the letter to Colosse, Paul explains what his ministry is to the Gentiles. In other words, Paul explains the mission and goal of his life. (What is the mission and goal of your life? Write it down.)

Paul explains that Christ’s body is the church. Romans 12:5 says “so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” Paul explains he is the churches servant commissioned by God to present to us the word of God in its fullness. He does this (vs28) so that everyone may be presented perfect in Christ.

That is a very important mission. Paul says is is commissioned by God. Do you feel like God has talked to you and told you what you are supposed to be doing? Is your relationship with God that close? What has God commissioned you to do with your life, with your talents?

Mine: I am commissioned to be a wife of noble character, a mother who teaches her children (along with my husband) the ways of the Lord, a writer that writes the truth and writes as the Spirit leads, to spread truth, to combat lies, to encourage others to step out of their box, be bold, be courageous, live intentionally for the glory of God.
Paul presents a mystery that has been hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints: Christ in you. He is not always popular. He says he struggles, he labors. But he says he does these things with all HIS (God's) energy that works in him. Ephesians 1:19 says “and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is like the working of his mighty strength, which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead…” How often do we tap into that power…the power God used to raise Christ from the dead? He says that same power is in us. How this human, fleshly body limits us.

Know your mission in life…your purpose. Don’t float aimlessly through life. Look for ways to help others. Listen to others and act. Encourage one another. Live outwardly. Sacrifice. Always, share Jesus with others so they can have the opportunity to be presented perfect in Christ. Be content in your job. Be content taking care of your family. Be content doing the laundry and dishes. Nothing is wasted...do it all for the glory of God.

Don't float...live intentional lives for Christ.

Be Held Together By Jesus

FYI: I am sitting on my back porch typing under a blanket. There is a chill in the air, but Spring is so close. The rain comes down softly on the new flowers I planted earlier. Steam rises from my coffee cup. Birds are singing.  The smell of fresh cut grass mixed with rain is all around me.  Life is good! It is beautiful!

Read Colossians 1:15-23
Title in NIV: The nature of Jesus Christ

I like lists. I listed the characteristics of Jesus that are sprinkled all through the bible, old and new testaments.

1) Jesus is the image of the invisible God
2) Jesus is the firstborn over all creation
3) By Jesus all things were made (Gen. 1:26 refers to 'us' and 'our')
        a) things in heaven
        b) things on earth
        c) the invisible
        d) the visible
        e) thrones
        f) powers
        g) rulers
        h) authorities
4) Jesus is before all things
5) ** In Jesus all things hold together
6) Jesus is the head of the body- the church
7) Jesus is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead
8) Jesus has supremacy in everything

God was pleased to have all his (God's) fullness dwell in Jesus and through Jesus. God made all things reconciled to him through Jesus' physical body. Reconciliation means to settle differences and become in harmony again. (More on reconciliation read: 2 Cor 5:11-6:2; Eph 2:1-22.)

All things are reconciled to God on earth and in heaven by making peace through Jesus' blood. We were alienated from God in our minds because of evil behavior. But God settled differences with us with Christ's death on the cross. God did this do Christ could present us holy without blemish and free from accusation IF you continue in your faith and don't loose hope you have from hearing the gospel.

Are you reconciled to God? Do you feel in harmony when you're being a 'good' Christian and feel out of harmony when you fail? God does not do that! We are reconciled when we believe in Jesus, not when we do good deeds. We should do good deeds because we believe and love God, but not for brownie points. Good deeds should come from a heart of love, not a heart of fear. Which motivates you?

Number 5 is very special to me. In Him all things hold together. Did you notice my new picture? (If you're not on my web page, go to   http://www.in-stepwithspirit.blogspot.com/    to see the pictures of the crosses. All things hold together in Him is more true than you may realize. I watched a video by Louie Giglio. He explained that scientist have found a protein that acts like glue that holds all our muscles and cells together. It is called laminin. Guess what this 'glue' looks like....the crosses in my picture. Look laminin up on the Internet and you can see some out-of-this-world, real photos. (You won't be disappointed)

The cross holds my family together and all of us have this necklace to remind us to look to Jesus the real glue in our lives. We look to Jesus to hold us together in difficult situations and choices in our life. We try daily to allow Jesus to hold us together instead of looking for worldly things that fade.

See how science and faith can work together!!

Verse 23 says, 'if you continue in your faith, Jesus will present us as holy to his Father. Look at John 15. He reminds us to remain in Jesus in verse 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10. When we remain in Him, we bear much fruit. By-the-way, 'bear much fruit' is the first command. Genesis 1:22 says, "be fruitful and increase in number...". He was talking to the fish and creatures at this point, but later he gave the same command to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28.

So what is the promise if you do not remain in Him? You are like a dead branch cut off and thrown away into a fire. Dead things are great for kindling in our fireplace. Don't be good kindling. Stay alive and full of life by remaining in Him. Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego were so full of life that even the fire could not burn them up.  Be like them!

Choose Daily Whom You Will Serve

Sorry I am a day late, however, we gave my uncle a beautiful send off to heaven.

Read Colossians 1:1-14


Title in NIV: Paul’s thanks to God for the Colossians’ faithfulness.


There are so many passages in the bible that start with the result and then work backward to show you how to get that result. (Have you noticed that?) I am going to explain vs. 3-6 in order.

Everyone has free will. When you hear the gospel you will either choose hope stored up for you in heaven or choose not to hope in heaven (which is basically hoping in self). Those who do not choose hope do not understand God’s grace for them and don’t think they need His grace or His salvation.

But, let’s say you hope in heaven because you have heard the gospel and understand God’s grace that has come to you. Your hope in heaven should cause two reactions. Faith in Christ Jesus and love for all the saints (saints are the faithful in Christ Jesus…you and me!) Hope shows itself by actions in faith and love. (You still have free will at this point and could decide not to show faith or love.)

The gospel message has its goal: to bear fruit and grow. You and I (Christians) are who Paul is encouraging with his message to help spread the gospel and grow his kingdom…helping people become faithful Christians. (You still have free will at this point and could decide not to spread the gospel.)

Paul prays for the Christians and asks God to fill them with the knowledge of his will through spiritual wisdom and understanding. When we act on our knowledge, wisdom and understanding we are living a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way.  ( You still have free will and could decide not to act on what you have been taught.)
What does a life look like that pleases Him: bear fruit in every good work, grow in the knowledge of God, be strengthened with all power according to his might so that you may have endurance and patience. All these qualities and characteristics should be making us joyfull and give thanks to the Father.  (You could be doing all these things but instead of joy, you could be bitter or have the attitude that you are 'good enough'.)

Now that we accept Jesus Christ, the Father has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in the kingdom of light. He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves. We have redemption and forgiveness of sins in that Son. We have all this when we –using our free will—choose to follow Jesus Christ, daily. This is not a one time decision. It is a daily decision.

I still can’t understand why anyone would not choose to follow Jesus with their heart, mind and soul. Some people try. They come to church and all the church events but their motives and heart are not in it. Sometimes we see their heart when we see how they are treating others. They want to reap the benefits and not put their heart into faith and love.

The faith and love in action I am talking about will most likely be seen as crazy to people who don’t understand the grace of God to ALL people. (People, maybe even your families, inside and outside your churche will see your actions as “what’s the point”.) All our actions will be judged by the motive of our heart. And, by the way, we do not get to judge those actions of others. We cannot see into someone’s heart and why they do what they do. God is the judge and Jesus the mediator.

Choose Jesus daily and be careful of those things that get in front of your choice.

Introduction to Colossians

Colossians was written by Paul about 60 years after Jesus’ death and resurrection. He is writing the church at Colosse. At this point Paul has never visited Colosse, but he is concerned because he hears of its decline. He attributes the decline to false teachings from Jews, Greeks and Orientals. There is even teaching by Gnostics that deny Christ’s true humanity. Paul writes this letter from a prison in Rome.




Paul focuses on applying Jesus’ teachings to life in much of Colossians. Believers are encouraged to take off old self and put on new self by living righteously before God. They are encouraged to invite Christ into every area of their life and make him the ‘head’ of the body.



There are four themes we will touch upon:

1. Jesus alone is sufficient to meet every need of our lives.

2. The perfect reflection of invisible God is the perfect Jesus Christ.

3. Philosophies which do not exalt Christ are not from God.

4. Our relationship with God is reflected through our relationship with others.



I briefly want to say something about the last point (#4) right now. My husband and I recently went to a marriage seminar. A concept was brought up that might change your thinking. The concept is this: The way women treat their husbands is in direct proportion with her relationship with God. Women, if you have a correct relationship with God, you will treat your husband with respect, you will be kind, you will be subject to your husbands, you will be self-controlled in speech and action toward your husband (in private and public), and you will not try to have authority over your husband. Basically, women are just practicing how they will treat their Creator and Savior in heaven by how they treat their husbands here on earth. Are you practicing well? Are you treating your beloved like you want God to treat you?



Men: The way men treat their wives is in direct proportion with his relationship with God. Husbands love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Feed her and care for her like you would do for yourself. Christ feeds and cares for his church. Basically, men are just practicing the example Jesus provided here on earth before they get to heaven. Are you practicing well? Are you treating your beloved like you want God to treat you?


In all other relationships there should be the same characteristics: a respect, a kindness, a ‘what can I do for you’ attitude, a mutual building-up in the relationship for the purpose of getting a closer relationship to God.


Blessings to all!!